| p>SMS text marketing is creating a new way to | | | | register to receive coupons. Supporters are able to |
| fundraise for charity and non-profits. More and more | | | | opt-in to the program through the website or on |
| charitable organizations are using SMS technologies to | | | | Facebook. The form takes less than 2 minutes to |
| reach their audiences and raise money. Mobile phones | | | | complete and if they ever wish to opt-out they |
| have an overwhelming presence in our daily lives. | | | | simply reply stop to any of the coupons that they |
| There are now more mobile devices in the United | | | | receive. In addition, they are able to specify the |
| States than computers and televisions combined. | | | | number of coupons they wish to receive as well as |
| SMS text messaging is a fast and efficient means of | | | | the types of offers they are most interested in. |
| communication that can build long lasting relationships | | | | Their charity gets a donation for each text message |
| with people. With the economy suffering, charities | | | | they receive regardless of redemption. |
| and organizations are finding fundraising more and | | | | For Businesses the program yields a 10+% response |
| more difficult. The number of corporate donors has | | | | rate (which is a very healthy response rate for any |
| decreased and individuals struggling to make ends | | | | campaign) and a way to support charity with their |
| meet are no longer opening their wallets for these | | | | advertising dollars. Businesses are able to target |
| causes. | | | | consumers in their area, who have specifically |
| Mobile technologies have always been on the | | | | requested coupons from businesses like theirs. With |
| forefront of innovation over the past 15 years. One | | | | programs starting as low as $50 a month- it's an |
| of the latest trends in this space is the emergence of | | | | easy way to use sms text marketing that was |
| a new class of companies that do good while helping | | | | recently only available to large brands because of |
| promote businesses. Businesses are finally realizing | | | | cost restrictions. |
| that doing the world good will bring them success - | | | | Nonprofits are finding new ways to fundraise via SMS |
| the concept of karma works everywhere! | | | | text marketing every single day and we believe that |
| One such service is placing a twist into charitable | | | | this is only the beginning of a very healthy trend. In |
| fundraising and making a difference. Because of the | | | | the "Idol Gives Back" episode of this season's |
| collaboration from the three different participating | | | | American Idol, donations were collected via premium |
| sectors - supporters, charities and advertisers - they | | | | texts. Participants donated $10 per text they sent, |
| represent a vastly different approach to leveraging | | | | which was payable through their phone service |
| text messaging as a fundraising tool. It creates a | | | | provider. With the devastation caused by the |
| win-win-win scenario for everyone who participates. | | | | earthquakes in Haiti, the Red Cross SMS campaign |
| Every supporter who participates as a | | | | experienced the largest outpouring of support in their |
| coupon-recipient in this program selects a charity to | | | | history thanks to the convenience and simplicity that |
| support. That charity then receives five cents every | | | | text message donations provided. These nation-wife |
| time the opted in supporter receives a text message. | | | | successes only create further proof that this trend is |
| Supporters then receive money saving coupons from | | | | gaining momentum very fast. |
| businesses who are trying to reach new customers. | | | | With the number of text messages sent every day |
| For nonprofits and supporters the program is a no | | | | in the United States SMS text marketing rapidly |
| brainer. The program is free to both groups, and | | | | increasing and older Americans quickly adopting this |
| requires little in the way of signup. Charities need only | | | | technology once only used by teens, it is safe to say |
| provide information on how to receive their donation | | | | that there will be an increase in business advertising |
| checks and verify their nonprofit status. Then they | | | | and fundraising through this medium. Programs such |
| simply invite their supporters and members to | | | | as SendSavings, are leading the way. |